Maire Hider

In 1929, at the age of 10, Maire Hider came third in a diving competition at the South Norwood baths, won by her sister Mollie. The Hiders were a notable swimming family. Their father Walter was a former South Norwood champion, and the girls’ two brothers, Stewart and Douglas, were also fine swimmers. Maire later attended Selhurst Grammar School in London, and despite showing promise as a swimmer, concentrated on diving. In 1937 Maire finished second to the holder Jean Gilbert in the high-board event at the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) Championships. That same year, the Southern Counties Amateur Diving Championship were to used to select the England team for the 1938 British Empire Games, but Maire missed the competition. She had promised her sister some time earlier that she would be a bridesmaid at her wedding and despite clashing with the Southerns, she kept her promise to her sister instead of competing. She never got to compete in a British Empire Games, but was chosen for the 1938 European Championships at Wembley Pool and finished fourth in the platform event. After World War II, Hider eventually won that Southern Counties title, in 1947, and the following year, captured the ASA high-board title. Following her appearance at the Olympic Games, she took part in aquatic shows in theatres and other venues around Britain.